(19)

(11)

EP 1 051 649 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 15.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/46 (21) Application number: 99901402.0 (22) Date of filing: 08.01.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 5/28 (86) International application number: PCT/US9900/525 (87) International publication number: WO 9936/810 (22.07.1999 Gazette 1999/29)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 13.01.1998 US 6118 (71) Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY St. Paul,Minnesota 55133-3427 (US)	(72) Inventors: WHEATLEY, John, A. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) NEVITT, Timothy, J. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) MERRILL, William, W. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) WEBER, Michael, F. Saint Paul, MN 55133-3427 (US) (74) Representative: VOSSIUS & PARTNER  Siebertstrasse 4 81675 München 81675 München (DE)